As far as of our defensive backfield goes, the unit has nowhere to go but up. They had a total of 8 interceptions last year (Marcus Peters of the Chiefs had 8 interceptions). The only team to have less interceptions than the Dallas Cowboys were the Baltimore Ravens with 6.
Jeff “The GOAT” Heath was the Cowboys’ interception leader with two. Yeehaw.
Now the Cowboys are hosting FA Patrick Robinson in hopes to sign him and improve the backfield.
This is not the first time this offseason the ‘Boys are looking to build up the Cornerback position. Leon Hall visited Valley Ranch but is still in the ether of Free Agency and likely to sign with the Bengals. There was Nolan Carroll who said visiting Dallas felt “weird.” Recent reports say that Al Yankovic hosted Carroll’s visit – more on this weird story still to come.
And now, Patrick Robinson is in the building. The Cowboys tried to lure Robinson in last summer as well but he opted to sign with the Chargers.
28-year-old Patrick Robinson had 49 tackles, eight pass deflections, and an interception with the Chargers. His best season of his career was in 2012 with the Saints when he posted 53 tackles, 18 pass deflections and three interceptions.
That same year, the Saints played the Cowboys. Dez Bryant had nine catches for 224 yards, including a pair of 58-yard touchdown receptions, all with Robinson in coverage. Of course, it was just one game and he was covering Dez Bryant.
If Robinson signs, he would join Orlando Scandrick, who we hope is set to make a comeback after tearing his ACL, Byron Jones who played corner but is a better safety, and Morris Claiborne, who just signed a one-year “prove it” deal of $3.75 million.
There’s also Brandon Carr who remains on the roster with a $13.8 million cap figure at age 29. The last time I got to use the term “Carr Jacked!” was Thanksgiving 2013, the date of his last interception. You guys use that term too, right?
Last year, Carr had 76 tackles, six pass deflections, and zero interceptions. To compare to Robinson’s best season, in 2012, Carr had 53 tackles, 11 pass deflections, and three interceptions.
Brandon Carr’s 40-time was 4.44. Robinson’s? 4.46. Brandon Carr stands 6’0″ 207 pounds. Robinson is 5’11” 190 pounds. Carr’s vertical jump:35.0 inches. 39.0 inches for Robinson.
Signing Robinson would make him a solid CB2 – perhaps a pretty good CB3 – but won’t solve all of the Cowboys’ cornerback woes. If the Cowboys sign Robinson they are more than likely still looking for a CB in the draft, maybe with multiple picks. But will the Cowboys let Carr play out the final year of his contract or will they let him walk if they sign Robinson?
Perhaps a better question would be: Is Robinson better than Carr?
I think signing Robinson would mean Carr is a goner. Don't see how you can justify carrying four veteran corners, not to mention two young guys who've flashed good things in Mitchell and Olatoye. Dallas will have to free up funds to pay their rookies and incentive bonuses next year and that is likely coming from releasing Carr.
Yes. I agree. I also think Scandrick's health will play a big factor too, baring that he is healthy.
I think Carr will be a June 1 cut regardless. Robinson played more slot corner for the Chargers but did play on the outside. But he was ranked #28 out of 118 DB's through PFF….for what that's worth.
I think Carr is gone too. But something tells me that if, by chance, Scandrick is still not 100% then it may be reason to consider keeping Carr parked.
You could be right about that! If that happens hopefully it won't be with a $13.8M cap hit. The only way that happens if they extend and renegotiate his contract which we don't want. Of course they could do that for relief this season and cut him after this year. But hopefully our draft will allow us to cut him anyway. I mean he's a stand-up right kind of guy and has been very durable but we have to get better production.